Excursion to Ausangate & 7 lakes with Coca Ceremony |Private|

The main draw here is the chance to see seven high-altitude lagoons in one long day beneath the Ausangate range. The water colors, open Andean views, wildlife, and mountain air make this far more than a quick photo stop.

I like the private format, which lets you set a sensible pace, and I like the coca leaf ceremony at the first lagoon. The long drive from Cusco and the altitude are the trade-offs. This is a demanding day, not a gentle countryside outing.

Key points at a glance

• Seven lagoons at 4,200 meters: You hike through the high Andes around the Ausangate mountain range.
• A coca leaf ceremony: At the first lagoon, your guide leads a ritual connecting you with Mother Earth.
• Private transport and guiding: Only your group takes part, with an air-conditioned vehicle from Cusco.
• A long but useful finish: Pacchanta’s hot springs offer a welcome rest after the hike.
• Meals are included: Breakfast comes in Pacchanta, with lunch after the hot springs.
• A full 14-hour day: Expect an early start and a return to Cusco at about 7:00 p.m.

Why the seven Ausangate lagoons are worth the effort

Ausangate is one of the great high mountain areas near Cusco, and this outing gives you a close look at its lakes rather than viewing the range from a roadside stop. The community of Pacchanta sits at the foot of the Ausangate range, at about 4,200 meters above sea level.

That height changes the nature of the walk. Even a moderate trail can feel strenuous when the air is thin. You should arrive ready to walk slowly, pause when needed, and listen to your guide. The tour is private, so your group does not have to match the pace of a large busload.

The first part of the hike covers about 5 to 6 kilometers before reaching the first lagoon. From there, the route continues through the mountains to the other lakes, with about 10 kilometers of hiking and roughly five hours on foot. The exact effort will depend on the pace of your group and the trail conditions, but this is clearly a serious day outdoors.

The reward is variety. Each lagoon offers a different view across the high Andes, with mountain surroundings, vegetation, and wildlife. You will want your camera ready, but do not let photography turn the walk into a race. The best part of a place like this is having time to look around between stops.

Starting in Cusco and reaching Pacchanta

The day begins with pickup from your accommodation, preferably inside Cusco’s historic center. The stated meeting point is Plaza Regocijo, and the activity returns there at the end. Confirm the exact pickup arrangement when booking, especially if your hotel is outside the historic center.

The private vehicle has air conditioning, which makes the long transfer more comfortable. It also gives your group space to organize hiking gear without dealing with a crowded shared bus. A private vehicle does not shorten the journey, though. The total outing lasts about 14 hours and 30 minutes, with a return to Cusco around 7:00 p.m.

Breakfast is served in Pacchanta at about 7:30 a.m. This is an important practical detail. You do not need to begin the mountain walk on an empty stomach, and the included meal gives you a proper start before the main hike. Lunch comes later, after the hot springs.

I would keep the morning simple. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, carry only what you need, and make sure your camera and phone are charged. The tour includes oxygen and a first aid box, but those are safety provisions, not a substitute for being prepared for altitude.

The coca ceremony at the first lagoon

At the first lagoon, the guide leads a coca leaf ritual. You may participate, using the ceremony as a way to speak with and connect to Mother Earth.

This is one of the more distinctive parts of the outing. The lakes are beautiful, but the ceremony gives the walk a cultural focus rather than treating the mountains as scenery alone. Your guide is there to lead the ritual, so you do not need prior knowledge of Andean customs.

The experience may feel quiet and reflective. Approach it respectfully, follow the guide’s instructions, and take part only to the level that feels right for you. It is not presented as a stage performance. It is a moment built into the walk and tied to the place you are visiting.

Guide quality matters here. One highly praised guide is Alex, described as calm, polite, and extremely well educated. You cannot assume Alex will lead every departure, but you can ask about guide assignment if that is important to you. A calm guide is especially useful on a high-altitude hike, where clear instructions and an unhurried manner make a real difference.

Five hours among the mountain lakes

After the ceremony, the route continues to the remaining lagoons. The combined walking distance is about 10 kilometers, taking approximately five hours. This is where the tour earns its price, but also where you need to be honest about your fitness.

The activity asks for a moderate physical fitness level. That wording matters. You do not need to be an elite hiker, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours at high altitude. If you already know that steep or prolonged walks affect you badly, this may not be the right day trip.

The private setup helps. You can stop briefly for photographs, water, or a slower stretch without holding up a large group. You can also ask your guide to explain what you are seeing. At the same time, private does not mean effortless. The altitude remains the same, and the route still requires steady physical work.

The surroundings include wildlife and vegetation in the high Andes. Keep your eyes open as you walk, but do not expect an urban-style attraction with marked exhibits or frequent facilities. The appeal is the open setting and the changing views around the lagoons.

A charged camera is worth bringing. The excursion specifically points to the photo opportunities, and you will have several natural pauses along the way. Still, leave room in your day for the experience itself. The colors of the lakes and the broad mountain views are better remembered when you are not looking at every moment through a screen.

Pacchanta hot springs after the hike

After the lagoon walk, you return to Pacchanta for the hot springs. This is excellent timing. A soak after five hours on foot gives your group a chance to rest before lunch and the ride back to Cusco.

The hot springs are not a separate luxury add-on in the schedule. They are part of the natural rhythm of the day: breakfast in the community, a long mountain walk, then warm water and food. If you are comparing this trip with a hike that simply turns around after the final viewpoint, the hot springs add real value.

Entrance is not included in the price, so plan for that extra cost. The amount is not provided here, and you should confirm it before departure. This is the one clear expense to watch beyond the $108 per-person price.

Lunch follows the hot springs. Breakfast and lunch are included, which makes budgeting easier and removes the need to arrange meals during a remote day. The tour does not provide a detailed menu, so anyone with specific dietary needs should ask ahead of time.

What the $108 price really buys you

At $108 per person, this outing is not just transportation to a viewpoint. The price includes a private air-conditioned vehicle, a private professional guide, hotel pickup, breakfast, lunch, oxygen, and a first aid box.

The private format is the biggest value point. You are paying for control over the day as well as for the destination. A group that walks at different speeds can use the guide’s time more naturally, stop for photos, and avoid the pressure of keeping up with strangers.

The included meals also matter on a 14-hour excursion. Buying breakfast and lunch separately in a remote community could be inconvenient, while the arranged meals keep the schedule moving. The safety equipment offers reassurance, though you should still treat the altitude seriously.

The entrance fee is extra, so the final cost will be higher than the advertised amount. Even so, the combination of transport, guide, meals, hot springs access opportunity, and a full day at Ausangate makes the price reasonable for people who value privacy and convenience.

The published performance is strong, with a five-star rating from 80 reviews and recommendation from 99 percent of customers. The most useful praise is specific: Alex is described as calm, polite, and very well educated, and the mountain views are called spectacular. Those details point to the two things that matter most here, guide manner and scenery.

Who should book this Ausangate day trip

I would choose this excursion if you want the seven lagoons but prefer not to join a large group. It suits couples, families with fit older children, friends, and solo visitors who want a private guide and vehicle.

It also suits people who care about cultural context. The coca leaf ritual gives the day a connection to Andean tradition, while the visit to Pacchanta links the hike to a local community rather than making the mountains feel like a detached attraction.

You should think twice if you want a short or easy day. The drive, altitude, 5 to 6 kilometer initial hike, and five-hour route make this a demanding schedule. The activity calls for moderate fitness, and that should be taken seriously.

Good hiking shoes are essential. You should also be ready for a long day, bring a charged camera, and pace yourself. The presence of oxygen and a first aid box is helpful, but it does not remove the need to respect the altitude.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

The practical call

Book this tour if your priority is a private, well-supported day at Ausangate with seven lagoons, a coca ceremony, meals, and hot springs. The private vehicle and flexible pace are particularly valuable when you are facing a five-hour high-altitude hike.

Skip it if you want a relaxed sightseeing day, dislike early starts and long transfers, or are not comfortable with moderate physical effort at 4,200 meters. For the right walker, the mix of mountain scenery, local ritual, and Pacchanta hot springs makes the $108 cost a fair deal, especially with a guide such as Alex if he is available.

FAQ

How long does the Ausangate and seven lagoons tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 14 hours and 30 minutes. The planned return to Cusco is around 7:00 p.m.

Where does the tour start?

Pickup is available from your accommodation, preferably within Cusco’s historic center. The stated meeting point is Plaza Regocijo in Cusco.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Cusco.

How high is Pacchanta?

Pacchanta is located at about 4,200 meters above sea level, at the foot of the Ausangate mountain range.

How much hiking is involved?

The initial walk is about 5 to 6 kilometers. The full visit to the lagoons involves about 10 kilometers of hiking and takes approximately five hours.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. Breakfast is served in Pacchanta at approximately 7:30 a.m.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served after the hot springs visit.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates, and the tour includes a private vehicle and a private professional guide.

Is the entrance fee included?

No. The entrance fee is not included in the tour price. The amount is not specified in the supplied information, so confirm it before departure.